Issue No. 17     |     June 17, 2025

This Week:

⏳ Leadership Nominations Closing Soon

📊  PLASTICS Q1 2025 Equipment Statistics Report

📊  U.S.–China Plastics Trade: A Shift in Motion

🧪  Innovation in Bioplastics Award 2025

🙌  Welcome New Member

📅  Mark Your Calendar

⏳Leadership Nominations Closing Soon

Nominations are now open for several key leadership roles at PLASTICS. The nomination window will remain open through June 27.  

We’re currently seeking candidates for key leadership roles:

• Board of Directors

• Board Officers

• Segment Council Voting Representatives

• Public Policy Committee

• Sustainability Advisory Board

As a trade association, PLASTICS depends on the engagement of our members. Your involvement helps guide our direction and ensures our leadership reflects the diverse interests across the plastics supply chain.

👉 Help shape the future of PLASTICS—submit your nomination today!

📊 PLASTICS Q1 2025 Equipment Statistics Report

PLASTICS has released its Q1 2025 Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES) Report, authored by Chief Economist Dr. Perc Pineda. The report highlights the latest data on U.S. plastics equipment imports and exports, along with market sentiment from CES member companies.

Why it matters:
Plastics equipment imports rose 6.2% in Q1, reaching $939.4 million, while exports declined 1.1% from Q4—down 18.6% year-over-year. CES member confidence dipped (62% expect steady or improved conditions vs. 83% last quarter), but quoting activity rose to 42%—a sign of cautious optimism.

Next steps:

📄 To read Dr. Pineda’s detailed analysis, market insights, and what to watch for in the months ahead click here. 

📊 U.S.–China Plastics Trade: A Shift in Motion

PLASTICS Chief Economist Dr. Perc Pineda breaks down the complex—and evolving—trade relationship between the U.S. and China.

China remains a top export market for U.S. plastics, yet the trade deficit in finished goods continues to widen. With tariff rates temporarily reduced and negotiations underway, the industry is watching for signs of change.

Why it matters:
📉 Plastics trade deficit with China dropped 19.5% year over year
🔁 Will history repeat? Past tariff hikes triggered sharp declines in imports
📦 Resin leads exports; finished goods widen the gap
🕒 Tariff adjustments expire August 12

Perc’s latest blog unpacks the data, puts it in historical context, and outlines what it may signal for the months ahead. Click here, to read it.

🧪 Innovation in Bioplastics Award 2025

PLASTICS is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Innovation in Bioplastics Award, presented by the Bioplastics Division. This annual award honors one standout innovation in the bioplastics industry —whether in materials, products, or manufacturing processes.

📝 Deadline: Submit your completed entry by midnight (ET) on July 25, 2025, using the official entry form.

🏆 Recognition: The award winner will be featured during Bioplastics Week, October 20–24, and honored at a future PLASTICS event alongside our other five Sustainability Innovation Awards.

📋 For more details
Visit the 2025 Innovation in Bioplastics Award page for judging criteria, submission tips, and key dates.

Good luck—we’re excited to see what you’ve created!

 🙌 Welcome New Member

UnionMould, based in Taizhou, China, is an international leader in the development, design, manufacturing, and export of high-quality plastic injection molds. With over two decades of expertise, the company excels in crafting molds for diverse industries—from thin-wall IML products to heavy-duty crates and PET items.

Visit website

📆 Mark Your Calendar

🚀July 24 | FLiP Development Session - 12-1 pm ET| Featuring Alden Mills—former Navy SEAL and leadership expert—who will share strategies to help rising professionals build an unstoppable mindset. Open to FLiP members and employees 40 and under at PLASTICS member companies. Register now

📋 August 12 | NPE2027: The Plastics Show | Exhibit space applications open. To be notified when applications go live click here. 

♻️ August 13 & 20 | Recycling Open House | Happening virtually, trade associations and organizations will share how they’re tackling recycling challenges in the plastics industry — registration opens at the end of June.

📣 September 22–25 | National Plastics Conference | Orlando, FL | The

exclusive event built by industry, for industry returns. Early Bird Rates 

available until August 8.

🌐 October 15–17 | OCS CON 2025 | Indianapolis, IN | Hosted by Operation Clean Sweep®, OCS CON brings the full plastic value chain together in efforts towards eliminating the loss of plastic to the environment.  Early Bird Registration now open. 

🗓️ March 2–6, 2026 | NPE2027 Space Selection & Planning Event | Orlando, FL | NPE2027 exhibitors will convene to select exhibit booth space, plan for exhibit success, and explore opportunities to maximize the NPE2027 investment.